Deputy demoted after calling in sick, caught playing golf

Fort Myers, Florida (News-Press) -- A Lee County Sheriff's Office deputy has received a demotion and 5 percent pay reduction after an internal affairs investigation revealed he called in sick to work on May 29 and was seen later that day playing golf.

Lt. Ryan Bell has been demoted to deputy for misusing sick leave, according to the internal investigation report.

According to the complaint against Bell, he sent a captain an email at 3:46 a.m. saying he was sick and would not be able to work his assigned shift.

Around 12:30 p.m. that same day, other members of the sheriff's office saw Bell hitting golf balls at the driving range at the Verandah Golf Course.

Bell told investigators he was in fact sick and was at the golf course trying to "sweat out the sickness."